Dominic Calvert-Lewin showcased his remarkable resurgence on Saturday as Leeds United defeated Crystal Palace 4-0 in an emphatic Premier League match at Elland Road. That’s right, the exciting young forward lit up the first half by scoring two goals! This phenomenal accomplishment increases his scoring streak to 5 straight league games. This run leaves him joint-shortest of any Leeds player in Premier League history.
Led by head coach Daniel Farke, Leeds were ruthless on the night. They were good at set pieces, a category that has long been one of their adversaries’ Achilles heels. Crystal Palace coach Oliver Glasner expressed disappointment at his team’s recent defensive lapses, particularly their inability to defend against set plays.
Calvert-Lewin had first whack, netting within two minutes of that opening whistle. Just before halftime, he netted a second goal, putting his stamp on the game. That didn’t prevent Ethan Ampadu from making his mark on the scoreline. Anton Stach rounded off the win with a brilliant free-kick in injury time.
Dominance from Set Pieces
Leeds United were victorious after cunningly taking advantage of set pieces. This tactic highlighted Crystal Palace’s poor defensive form at the back post in recent weeks. The Eagles had already given up four goals from set pieces in the preceding weeks, and this match would be no exception.
Calvert-Lewin’s first goal came from a clever flick-on by Jaka Bijol, demonstrating Leeds’ well-orchestrated set-piece strategy. The ever-lively forward was sharp and always in the right place at the right time, taking advantage of Palace’s defensive shortcomings throughout.
With the match nearing 80 minutes, Leeds were still dangerous from set pieces, abandoning Palace’s set defense in favor of chaos. Calvert-Lewin doubled the lead just before the halftime whistle. In doing so, he redirected a soaring header way beyond overwhelmed keeper Dean Henderson that amplified his dominant display one more time.
“In the six-yard box, that’s where I need to be. When you’re in a good moment and you’ve got the run, the ball starts dropping for you and that’s where I am at the minute.” – Dominic Calvert-Lewin
Crystal Palace’s Struggles
After going behind early, Crystal Palace were under immense pressure on the day, their defensive weaknesses showcased throughout the game. After giving up goals off set pieces in their openers, Glasner knew that his side needed to make some hasty adjustments.
“To be honest, in the last few weeks this is the fourth game we lose from set plays. We have to change it; I will talk to my staff.” – Oliver Glasner
The team struggled to match Leeds’ physicality and intensity on the pitch. After the game, Glasner conceded that this match was one of their low points of the season to date.
“It’s embarrassing and we couldn’t match their physicality. It’s the first game we have fully deserved to lose – the result is okay.” – Oliver Glasner
Even with some encouraging signs, like a few moments of good build-up play, Palace looked woeful in front of goal, unable to find the finishing touch. Their Achilles heel—an astonishing inability to defend against set pieces—would prove, in the end, most costly.
A Comprehensive Victory for Leeds
Leeds United’s performance was not only defined by Calvert-Lewin’s contributions but by a well-rounded team effort. Ampadu bagged a third when the corner was half cleared and played back into the box. Such incidents served to emphasize Leeds’ insatiable appetite for further goals.
Stach’s sublime free-kick in injury time capped off an impressive display by Leeds, further emphasizing their dominance in the match. The team’s starting lineup featured key players including Perri, Bijol, Rodon, Struijk, Bogle, Ampadu, Stach, Aaronson, Gudmundsson, Calvert-Lewin, and Okafor.
The game ended with Calvert-Lewin collecting the Player of the Match award for his superb performance. His two goals and overall influence on the game highlighted his resurgence and importance to Leeds United as they continue their campaign in the Premier League.
Leave a Reply